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1.
J Pathol ; 261(2): 184-197, 2023 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37565309

ABSTRACT

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. Repeated epicutaneous application of Aldara® (imiquimod) cream results in psoriasiform dermatitis in mice. The Aldara®-induced psoriasiform dermatitis (AIPD) mouse model has been used to examine the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Here, we used a forward genetics approach in which we compared AIPD that developed in 13 different inbred mouse strains to identify genes and pathways that modulated disease severity. Among our primary results, we found that the severity of AIPD differed substantially between different strains of inbred mice and that these variations were associated with polymorphisms in Itga11. The Itga11 gene encodes the integrin α11 subunit that heterodimerizes with the integrin ß1 subunit to form integrin α11ß1. Less information is available about the function of ITGA11 in skin inflammation; however, a role in the regulation of cutaneous wound healing, specifically the development of dermal fibrosis, has been described. Experiments performed with Itga11 gene-deleted (Itga11-/- ) mice revealed that the integrin α11 subunit contributes substantially to the clinical phenotype as well as the histopathological and molecular findings associated with skin inflammation characteristic of AIPD. Although the skin transcriptomes of Itga11-/- and WT mice do not differ from one another under physiological conditions, distinct transcriptomes emerge in these strains in response to the induction of AIPD. Most of the differentially expressed genes contributed to extracellular matrix organization, immune system, and metabolism of lipids pathways. Consistent with these findings, we detected a reduced number of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells, including macrophages, T cells, and tissue-resident memory T cells in skin samples from Itga11-/- mice in response to AIPD induction. Collectively, our results reveal that Itga11 plays a critical role in promoting skin inflammation in AIPD and thus might be targeted for the development of novel therapeutics for psoriasiform skin conditions. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.


Subject(s)
Dermatitis , Integrin alpha Chains , Psoriasis , Animals , Mice , Dermatitis/genetics , Dermatitis/pathology , Disease Models, Animal , Imiquimod/adverse effects , Inflammation/pathology , Integrin alpha Chains/genetics , Integrin alpha Chains/metabolism , Psoriasis/chemically induced , Psoriasis/genetics , Skin/pathology
2.
Nat Biotechnol ; 41(12): 1820-1828, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36928429

ABSTRACT

Sequencing-based approaches for the analysis of microbial communities are susceptible to contamination, which could mask biological signals or generate artifactual ones. Methods for in silico decontamination using controls are routinely used, but do not make optimal use of information shared across samples and cannot handle taxa that only partially originate in contamination or leakage of biological material into controls. Here we present Source tracking for Contamination Removal in microBiomes (SCRuB), a probabilistic in silico decontamination method that incorporates shared information across multiple samples and controls to precisely identify and remove contamination. We validate the accuracy of SCRuB in multiple data-driven simulations and experiments, including induced contamination, and demonstrate that it outperforms state-of-the-art methods by an average of 15-20 times. We showcase the robustness of SCRuB across multiple ecosystems, data types and sequencing depths. Demonstrating its applicability to microbiome research, SCRuB facilitates improved predictions of host phenotypes, most notably the prediction of treatment response in melanoma patients using decontaminated tumor microbiome data.


Subject(s)
Microbiota , Neoplasms , Humans , Microbiota/genetics , Phenotype
3.
Nat Commun ; 14(1): 834, 2023 02 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36788222

ABSTRACT

The mammalian gut is home to a diverse microbial ecosystem, whose composition affects various physiological traits of the host. Next-generation sequencing-based metagenomic approaches demonstrated how the interplay of host genetics, bacteria, and environmental factors shape complex traits and clinical outcomes. However, the role of fungi in these complex interactions remains understudied. Here, using 228 males and 363 females from an advanced-intercross mouse line, we provide evidence that fungi are regulated by host genetics. In addition, we map quantitative trait loci associated with various fungal species to single genes in mice using whole genome sequencing and genotyping. Moreover, we show that diet and its' interaction with host genetics alter the composition of fungi in outbred mice, and identify fungal indicator species associated with different dietary regimes. Collectively, in this work, we uncover an association of the intestinal fungal community with host genetics and a regulatory role of diet in this ecological niche.


Subject(s)
Mycobiome , Male , Female , Animals , Mice , Mycobiome/genetics , Ecosystem , Diet , Quantitative Trait Loci , Bacteria/genetics , Fungi/genetics , Mammals/genetics
4.
Front Immunol ; 13: 955038, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36203601

ABSTRACT

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease caused by T cell-mediated destruction of the hair follicle (HF). Therefore, approaches that effectively disrupt pathogenic T cell responses are predicted to have therapeutic benefit for AA treatment. T cells rely on the duality of T cell receptor (TCR) and gamma chain (γc) cytokine signaling for their development, activation, and peripheral homeostasis. Ifidancitinib is a potent and selective next-generation JAK1/3 inhibitor predicted to disrupt γc cytokine signaling. We found that Ifidancitinib robustly induced hair regrowth in AA-affected C3H/HeJ mice when fed with Ifidancitinib in chow diets. Skin taken from Ifidancitinib-treated mice showed significantly decreased AA-associated inflammation. CD44+CD62L- CD8+ T effector/memory cells, which are associated with the pathogenesis of AA, were significantly decreased in the peripheral lymphoid organs in Ifidancitinib-treated mice. We observed high expression of co-inhibitory receptors PD-1 on effector/memory CD8+ T cells, together with decreased IFN-γ production in Ifidancitinib-treated mice. Furthermore, we found that γc cytokines regulated T cell exhaustion. Taken together, our data indicate that selective induction of T cell exhaustion using a JAK inhibitor may offer a mechanistic explanation for the success of this treatment strategy in the reversal of autoimmune diseases such as AA.


Subject(s)
Alopecia Areata , Autoimmune Diseases , Janus Kinase 1/antagonists & inhibitors , Janus Kinase 3/antagonists & inhibitors , Janus Kinase Inhibitors , Alopecia Areata/drug therapy , Animals , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes , Cytokines/therapeutic use , Janus Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Janus Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Mice , Mice, Inbred C3H , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
5.
Front Med (Lausanne) ; 9: 875492, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35755063

ABSTRACT

An estimated 20-25% of the population is affected by chronic, non-communicable inflammatory skin diseases. Chronic skin inflammation has many causes. Among the most frequent chronic inflammatory skin diseases are atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, urticaria, lichen planus, and hidradenitis suppurativa, driven by a complex interplay of genetics and environmental factors. Autoimmunity is another important cause of chronic skin inflammation. The autoimmune response may be mainly T cell driven, such as in alopecia areata or vitiligo, or B cell driven in chronic spontaneous urticaria, pemphigus and pemphigoid diseases. Rare causes of chronic skin inflammation are autoinflammatory diseases, or rheumatic diseases, such as cutaneous lupus erythematosus or dermatomyositis. Whilst we have seen a significant improvement in diagnosis and treatment, several challenges remain. Especially for rarer causes of chronic skin inflammation, early diagnosis is often missed because of low awareness and lack of diagnostics. Systemic immunosuppression is the treatment of choice for almost all of these diseases. Adverse events due to immunosuppression, insufficient therapeutic responses and relapses remain a challenge. For atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, a broad spectrum of innovative treatments has been developed. However, treatment responses cannot be predicted so far. Hence, development of (bio)markers allowing selection of specific medications for individual patients is needed. Given the encouraging developments during the past years, we envision that many of these challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic inflammatory skin diseases will be thoroughly addressed in the future.

6.
J Biol Chem ; 298(6): 101910, 2022 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35398356

ABSTRACT

The cytokine interleukin-2 (IL-2) plays a critical role in controlling the immune homeostasis by regulating the proliferation and differentiation of immune cells, especially T cells. IL-2 signaling is mediated via the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) complex, which consists of the IL-2Rα (CD25), the IL-2Rß, and the IL-2Rγ. While the latter are required for signal transduction, IL-2Rα controls the ligand-binding affinity of the receptor complex. A soluble form of the IL-2Rα (sIL-2Rα) is found constitutively in human serum, though its levels are increased under various pathophysiological conditions. The sIL-2Rα originates partly from activated T cells through proteolytic cleavage, but neither the responsible proteases nor stimuli that lead to IL-2Rα cleavage are known. Here, we show that the metalloproteases ADAM10 and ADAM17 can cleave the IL-2Rα and generate a soluble ectodomain, which functions as a decoy receptor that inhibits IL-2 signaling in T cells. We demonstrate that ADAM10 is mainly responsible for constitutive shedding of the IL-2Rα, while ADAM17 is involved in IL-2Rα cleavage upon T cell activation. In vivo, we found that mice with a CD4-specific deletion of ADAM10, but not ADAM17, show reduced steady-state sIL-2Rα serum levels. We propose that the identification of proteases involved in sIL-2Rα generation will allow for manipulation of IL-2Rα cleavage, especially as constitutive and induced cleavage of IL-2Rα are executed by different proteases, and thus offer a novel opportunity to alter IL-2 function.


Subject(s)
ADAM10 Protein , Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit , Receptors, Interleukin-2 , ADAM10 Protein/genetics , ADAM10 Protein/metabolism , ADAM17 Protein/genetics , ADAM17 Protein/metabolism , Animals , Gene Deletion , Interleukin-2/genetics , Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit/metabolism , Lymphocyte Activation , Mice , Receptors, Interleukin-2/genetics
7.
Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res ; 1869(4): 119192, 2022 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34982961

ABSTRACT

A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinases (ADAM)-10 is a member of a family of membrane-anchored proteinases that regulate a broad range of cellular functions with central roles within the immune system. This has spurred the interest to modulate ADAM activity therapeutically in immunological diseases. CD4 T helper (Th) cells are the key regulators of adaptive immune responses. Their development and function is strongly dependent on Notch, a key ADAM-10 substrate. However, Th cells rely on a variety of additional ADAM-10 substrates regulating their functional activity at multiple levels. The complexity of both, the ADAM substrate expression as well as the functional consequences of ADAM-mediated cleavage of the various substrates complicates the analysis of cell type specific effects. Here we provide an overview on the major ADAM-10 substrates relevant for CD4 T cell biology and discuss the potential effects of ADAM-mediated cleavage exemplified for a selection of important substrates.


Subject(s)
ADAM10 Protein/metabolism , T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/metabolism , ADAM17 Protein/metabolism , B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism , Cell Differentiation , Cell Proliferation , Humans , Receptors, Interleukin-2/metabolism , Receptors, Notch/metabolism , Signal Transduction , T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/cytology , T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer/immunology
8.
Eur J Immunol ; 51(6): 1390-1398, 2021 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33754365

ABSTRACT

The G protein-coupled receptor 15 (GPR15) regulates homing of different T-cell populations into the gut, thus, preserving tissue homeostasis. Its potential role in the preservation of homeostasis on other body interfaces, including the skin, is less well understood. We addressed the impact of GPR15 on cutaneous T-cell populations and the skin microbiome under steady-state conditions. Genetic deficiency in GPR15 substantially altered the composition of skin-resident T-cell populations. Precisely, dendritic epidermal T cells were almost absent in the epidermis of Gpr15-/- mice. The niche of dendritic epidermal T cells in the epidermis was, instead, populated by αß TCR+ T cells. These changes were associated with shifts in the skin microbiota in Gpr15-/- mice. Collectively, our results uncover a role of GPR15 in the regulation of the cutaneous immune system and, thus, highlight the receptor as important general regulator of tissue homeostasis of exterior body interfaces.


Subject(s)
Microbiota/physiology , RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics , Skin/immunology , T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Animals , Benzofurans , Cells, Cultured , Homeostasis , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Quinolines , Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta/metabolism , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled , Skin/microbiology
9.
Front Immunol ; 11: 1858, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32922401

ABSTRACT

The G protein-coupled receptor 15 (GPR15) has recently been highlighted as an important regulator of T cell trafficking into the gut under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Additionally, circumstantial evidence has accumulated that GPR15 may also play a role in the regulation of chronic inflammation. However, the (patho)physiological significance of GPR15 has, in general, remained rather enigmatic. In the present study, we have addressed the role of GPR15 in the effector phase of autoantibody-mediated skin inflammation, specifically in the antibody transfer mouse model of bullous pemphigoid-like epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (BP-like EBA). Subjecting Gpr15-/- mice to this model, we have uncovered that GPR15 counteracts skin inflammation. Thus, disease was markedly aggravated in Gpr15-/- mice, which was associated with an increased accumulation of γδ T cells in the dermis. Furthermore, GPR15L, the recently discovered cognate ligand of GPR15, was markedly upregulated in inflamed skin. Collectively, our results highlight GPR15 as counter-regulator of neutrophilic, antibody-mediated cutaneous inflammation. Enhancing the activity of GPR15 may therefore constitute a novel therapeutic principle in the treatment of pemphigoid diseases, such as BP-like EBA.


Subject(s)
Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/immunology , Skin Diseases, Vesiculobullous/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Animals , Autoantibodies/immunology , Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Autoimmunity/immunology , Chemotaxis, Leukocyte/immunology , Dermatitis/immunology , Disease Models, Animal , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/immunology
10.
J Autoimmun ; 115: 102528, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32768245

ABSTRACT

Autoimmune diseases are defined by an immune response against a specific autoantigen, driven by antigen-specific T cells or antibodies. While the mechanisms resolving brief episodes of acute inflammation elicited by microbial components or tissue injury are well understood, the mechanisms resolving tissue inflammation in autoimmune diseases are still largely elusive. We have, therefore, addressed the mechanisms of resolution in IgG-mediated autoimmune diseases using a mouse model of the pemphigoid disease "bullous pemphigoid-like epidermolysis bullosa acquisita" (BP-like EBA) as prototypical example. We found that 12/15-LO is induced in skin lesions of BP-like EBA and is predominantly expressed in eosinophils. Dependent on the expression of 12/15-LO, large amounts of proresolving lipid mediators, are biosynthesized in the skin by the point disease peaks. Their production is timely correlated to the gradual reversal of tissue inflammation. Genetic deficiency in Alox15, the gene encoding 12/15-LO, disrupts this process significantly protracting and aggravating disease. This protraction is associated reduced recruitment of regulatory T cells (Tregs) into lesional skin. Intriguingly, Alox15-/- mice also exhibit reduced recruitment of eosinophils into the skin, and the chemotaxis of cultured Alox15-/- eosinophils towards CCL11/eotaxin-1 is compromised. Finally, we demonstrate that 15-lipoxygenase-1, the human homologue of 12/15-LO is induced in granulocytes in lesional skin of patients suffering from a pemphigoid disease. Collectively, our result uncover key mechanisms resolving IgG-mediated skin inflammation. These mechanisms are orchestrated by 12/15-LO expressed in eosinophils promoting the recruitment of eosinophils and Tregs, which in turn inhibit neutrophils.


Subject(s)
Arachidonate 12-Lipoxygenase/metabolism , Arachidonate 15-Lipoxygenase/metabolism , Eosinophils/enzymology , Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita/immunology , Pemphigoid, Bullous/immunology , Animals , Arachidonate 12-Lipoxygenase/genetics , Arachidonate 15-Lipoxygenase/analysis , Arachidonate 15-Lipoxygenase/genetics , Biopsy , Disease Models, Animal , Eosinophils/immunology , Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita/pathology , Humans , Immunoglobulin G/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Pemphigoid, Bullous/pathology , Skin/cytology , Skin/immunology , Skin/pathology , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
11.
Am J Dermatopathol ; 42(10): 783-786, 2020 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32568839

ABSTRACT

Neonatal autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease is rare. Mucosal involvement is more common in neonatal linear immunoglobulin A (IgA) bullous dermatosis. We describe a neonate with subepidermal cutaneous blistering disease with severe laryngeal and esophageal involvement leading to acute respiratory distress. Histopathology demonstrated a subepidermal blister with neutrophils and eosinophils at the dermal base. Collagen IV was detected at the dermal floor, and direct immunofluorescence showed linear IgG, IgA, and C3 deposits at the basement membrane zone. The patient demonstrated markedly increased serum levels of anti-BP180 NC16A and anti-BP230 IgG antibodies (Abs) but failed to show anti-LAD-1 IgA Abs. His healthy mother showed serum anti-LAD-1 IgA Abs but did not show anti-BP180 and anti-BP230 Abs. The neonate responded promptly to systemic corticosteroid therapy. A review of the literature detected 11 cases of neonatal subepidermal blistering disease with linear IgA deposits. Nine of these cases demonstrated coexisting linear IgG deposits, often with C3. Respiratory compromise was present in most of the cases. Neutrophils and eosinophils were commonly present in the inflammatory cell infiltrates. Besides our case, 2 cases of neonatal IgG/IgA subepidermal blistering disease with esophageal involvement were previously described. IgA Abs were present in the sera of both cases. Anti-LAD-1 IgA Abs were detected in the mother's serum of our case alone, but IgA Abs do not cross the placenta. Our case was consistent with neonatal IgG/IgA pemphigoid. Neonatal IgG/IgA subepidermal blistering disease may be associated with severe laryngeal and esophageal involvement leading to respiratory compromise. Expedited diagnosis and prompt treatment are warranted.


Subject(s)
Immunoglobulin A/metabolism , Immunoglobulin G/metabolism , Pemphigoid, Bullous/diagnosis , Pemphigoid, Bullous/pathology , Autoantigens/immunology , Esophageal Diseases/etiology , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Laryngeal Diseases/etiology , Male , Non-Fibrillar Collagens/immunology , Pemphigoid, Bullous/complications , Pemphigoid, Bullous/metabolism , Collagen Type XVII
12.
Nat Commun ; 10(1): 4097, 2019 09 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31506438

ABSTRACT

Phenotypic variation of quantitative traits is orchestrated by a complex interplay between the environment (e.g. diet) and genetics. However, the impact of gene-environment interactions on phenotypic traits mostly remains elusive. To address this, we feed 1154 mice of an autoimmunity-prone intercross line (AIL) three different diets. We find that diet substantially contributes to the variability of complex traits and unmasks additional genetic susceptibility quantitative trait loci (QTL). By performing whole-genome sequencing of the AIL founder strains, we resolve these QTLs to few or single candidate genes. To address whether diet can also modulate genetic predisposition towards a given trait, we set NZM2410/J mice on similar dietary regimens as AIL mice. Our data suggest that diet modifies genetic susceptibility to lupus and shifts intestinal bacterial and fungal community composition, which precedes clinical disease manifestation. Collectively, our study underlines the importance of including environmental factors in genetic association studies.


Subject(s)
Crosses, Genetic , Diet , Genes , Genetic Association Studies , Quantitative Trait, Heritable , Animals , Animals, Outbred Strains , Antibodies, Antinuclear/genetics , Bacteria/growth & development , Biodiversity , Female , Fungi/growth & development , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Lupus Nephritis/genetics , Lupus Nephritis/immunology , Male , Mice , Microbiota , Physical Chromosome Mapping , Quantitative Trait Loci/genetics , Spleen/metabolism , Transcriptome/genetics , Whole Genome Sequencing
13.
JCI Insight ; 4(15)2019 08 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31391346

ABSTRACT

The treatment of most autoimmune diseases still relies on systemic immunosuppression and is associated with severe side effects. The development of drugs that more specifically abrogate pathogenic pathways is therefore most desirable. In nature, such specificity is exemplified, e.g., by the soft tick-derived biotherapeutic Coversin, which locally suppresses immune responses by inhibiting complement factor 5 (C5) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4). C5a, a proteolytic fragment of C5, and LTB4 are critical drivers of skin inflammation in pemphigoid diseases (PDs), a group of autoimmune blistering skin diseases. Here, we demonstrate that both Coversin and its mutated form L-Coversin, which inhibits LTB4 only, dose dependently attenuate disease in a model of bullous pemphigoid-like epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (BP-like EBA). Coversin, however, reduces disease more effectively than L-Coversin, indicating that inhibition of C5 and LTB4 synergize in their suppressing effects in this model. Further supporting the therapeutic potential of Coversin in humans, we found that C5a and LTB4 are both present in the blister fluid of patients with BP in quantities inducing the recruitment of granulocytes and that the number of cells expressing their receptors, C5aR1 and BLT1, respectively, is increased in perilesional skin. Collectively, our results highlight Coversin and possibly L-Coversin as potential therapeutics for PDs.


Subject(s)
Biological Products/pharmacology , Complement C5/antagonists & inhibitors , Complement Inactivating Agents/pharmacology , Leukotriene B4/antagonists & inhibitors , Pemphigoid, Bullous/drug therapy , Animals , Biological Products/therapeutic use , Cells, Cultured , Chemotaxis/drug effects , Chemotaxis/immunology , Collagen Type VII/administration & dosage , Collagen Type VII/immunology , Complement C5/immunology , Complement C5/metabolism , Complement Inactivating Agents/therapeutic use , Disease Models, Animal , Granulocytes/immunology , Healthy Volunteers , Humans , Leukotriene B4/immunology , Leukotriene B4/metabolism , Male , Mice , Neutrophils , Pemphigoid, Bullous/immunology , Pemphigoid, Bullous/pathology , Primary Cell Culture , Rabbits , Skin/immunology , Skin/pathology
15.
Exp Dermatol ; 28(8): 985-988, 2019 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31177560

ABSTRACT

Reverse transcriptase qPCR is the most common method to determine and compare mRNA expression levels and relies on normalization using reference genes. The expression levels of the latter, however, are themselves often variable between experimental conditions, thus compromising the results. Using the geNorm algorithm, we have examined seven genes with respect to their suitability as reference genes for gene analysis in mouse models of skin inflammation, using the antibody transfer model of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and in the Aldara™ -induced psoriasiform dermatitis. Our results indicate that the combination of at least 2-3 reference genes is required for stable normalization. Notably, the expression of reference genes changed when comparing lesional skin of both models or when comparing lesional to non-lesional skin within one model. This highlights the need for precise selection of reference genes dependent on the specific experimental setup.


Subject(s)
Disease Models, Animal , Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita/metabolism , Gene Expression , Psoriasis/metabolism , Animals , Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita/genetics , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Psoriasis/genetics , Reference Standards
16.
J Dermatol Sci ; 94(1): 196-204, 2019 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30935778

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: GPR15 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of T cell-driven inflammation of the skin and the gut. Expression levels of the GPR15 ligand GPR15 L are increased in psoriatic skin and considered as potential biomarker for the treatment response to anti-IL-17 antibody therapies. However, the significance of the GPR15 L/GPR15 for the pathogenesis of psoriasis and the mechanisms regulating GPR15 L expression are still elusive. OBJECTIVE: To determine the significance of GPR15 signaling in mouse models of psoriasis. METHODS: We addressed the role of the GPR15 L/GPR15 in the Aldara™-induced psoriasiform dermatitis (AIPD) and the IL-23-induced dermatitis model. In both models, we charted the expression levels of GPR15 L in the skin and assessed the significance of GPR15 L/GPR15 by examining Gpr15-/- mice. RESULTS: GPR15 L levels were increased in the AIPD, but not in the IL-23-induced dermatitis model. Deficiency in Gpr15 did not alter the course of disease neither in the AIPD, nor in the IL-23-induced dermatitis model. In neither model, deficiency in Gpr15 modulated disease on the histopathological or the molecular level. Despite the induction of GPR15 L in the AIPD model, GPR15+ cells did not accumulate in the skin. CONCLUSION: GPR15 L expression is induced in psoriasiform dermatitis, but the activation of the IL-23/IL-17 axis alone is not sufficient for its induction. This restricts the potential use of GPR15 L levels as biomarker for the treatment response to anti-IL-17 antibody therapy. Our results leave a significant role of GPR15 in the pathogenesis of psoriasiform dermatitis rather unlikely. Hence, GPR15 L probably modulates psoriasiform dermatitis via GPR15-independent pathways.


Subject(s)
Psoriasis/pathology , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism , Skin/pathology , Animals , Disease Models, Animal , Humans , Imiquimod/administration & dosage , Imiquimod/immunology , Interleukin-23/administration & dosage , Interleukin-23/immunology , Mice , Mice, Knockout , Psoriasis/immunology , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics , Skin/immunology
17.
Pharmacol Res Perspect ; 6(6): e00438, 2018 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30455959

ABSTRACT

ω3-polyunsaturated free fatty acids (ω3-PUFAs), particularly docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are thought to exert health promoting effects in metabolic and in inflammatory diseases. The molecular mechanisms of these beneficial effects are only partially understood. DHA and EPA activate Free Fatty Acid receptor 4 (GPR120/FFA4). Recently, the first orally available, synthetic ligand of FFA4, 3-[2-chloro-5-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-3-azaspiro[5.5]undecane-9-acetic acid ("compound A"; cpd A) has been developed. Cpd A exhibits distinctly higher potency, efficiency, and selectivity at FFA4 than ω3-PUFAs and ameliorates insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation in the mouse. With GPR120/FFA4 activation believed to also attenuate tissue inflammation in autoimmune diseases, cpd A may also have a beneficial effect in these diseases. We have therefore addressed the therapeutic potential of cpd A in mouse models of three prototypical autoimmune diseases, specifically psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bullous pemphigoid. The effect of cpd A on the course of Aldara™-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis, K/BxN serum transfer arthritis, and antibody transfer pemphigoid disease-like dermatitis was scrutinized. Cpd A did not alter the course of Aldara-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis, K/BxN serum transfer arthritis, or antibody transfer pemphigoid disease-like dermatitis. Our results suggest that therapeutic regimens solely relying on FFA4 activation do not bear the potential to treat inflammatory diseases. With cpd A distinctly more potent in activating GPR120/FFA4 than ω3-PUFAs, this also suggests that GPR120/FFA4 activation by ω3-PUFAs does not significantly contribute to the health-promoting effects of ω3-PUFAs in autoimmune diseases.


Subject(s)
Acetic Acid/administration & dosage , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/administration & dosage , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy , Aza Compounds/administration & dosage , Pemphigoid, Bullous/drug therapy , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/agonists , Acetic Acid/therapeutic use , Administration, Oral , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use , Arthritis, Rheumatoid/immunology , Aza Compounds/therapeutic use , Disease Models, Animal , Fatty Acids, Omega-3/metabolism , Humans , Imiquimod/immunology , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Pemphigoid, Bullous/immunology , Psoriasis/immunology , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/immunology , Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism , Treatment Outcome
18.
Semin Immunol ; 37: 21-29, 2018 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29602515

ABSTRACT

The deposition of IgG autoantibodies in peripheral tissues and the subsequent activation of the complement system, which leads to the accumulation of the anaphylatoxin C5a in these tissues, is a common hallmark of diverse autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and pemphigoid diseases (PDs). C5a is a potent chemoattractant for granulocytes and mice deficient in its precursor C5 or its receptor C5aR1 are resistant to granulocyte recruitment and, consequently, to tissue inflammation in several models of autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanism whereby C5a/C5aR regulates granulocyte recruitment in these diseases has remained elusive. Mechanistic studies over the past five years into the role of C5a/C5aR1 in the K/BxN serum arthritis mouse model have provided novel insights into the mechanisms C5a/C5aR1 engages to initiate granulocyte recruitment into the joint. It is now established that the critical actions of C5a/C5aR1 do not proceed in the joint itself, but on the luminal endothelial surface of the joint vasculature, where C5a/C5aR1 mediate the arrest of neutrophils on the endothelium by activating ß2 integrin. Then, C5a/C5aR1 induces the release of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) from the arrested neutrophils. The latter, subsequently, initiates by autocrine/paracrine actions via its receptor BLT1 the egress of neutrophils from the blood vessel lumen into the interstitial. Compelling evidence suggests that this C5a/C5aR1-LTB4/BLT1 axis driving granulocyte recruitment in arthritis may represent a more generalizable biological principle critically regulating effector cell recruitment in other IgG autoantibody-induced diseases, such as in pemphigoid diseases. Thus, dual inhibition of C5a and LTB4, as implemented in nature by the lipocalin coversin in the soft-tick Ornithodoros moubata, may constitute a most effective therapeutic principle for the treatment of IgG autoantibody-driven diseases.


Subject(s)
Autoimmune Diseases/immunology , Complement C5a/metabolism , Inflammation/immunology , Neutrophils/immunology , Receptor, Anaphylatoxin C5a/metabolism , Animals , Autoantibodies/metabolism , Autoimmunity , Cell Movement , Disease Models, Animal , Humans , Leukotriene B4/metabolism , Mice , Neutrophil Activation , Signal Transduction
19.
J Invest Dermatol ; 137(5): 1104-1113, 2017 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28108297

ABSTRACT

Recruitment of neutrophils and eosinophils into the skin is a hallmark of pemphigoid diseases. The molecular cues regulating granulocyte recruitment into the skin and the individual contributions of neutrophils and eosinophils to pemphigoid diseases are, however, poorly understood. The lipid mediator leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent granulocyte chemoattractant and is abundant in the skin blister fluid of bullous pemphigoid (BP) patients, but its pathogenic significance is unknown. Using mouse models of BP-like epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and of BP, we show that LTB4 and its receptor BLT1 act as critical drivers of neutrophil entry into the skin upon antibody deposition at the dermal-epidermal junction. Mice deficient in 5-lipoxygenase, a key enzyme in LTB4 biosynthesis, or in BLT1 exhibited dramatic resistance to neutrophil recruitment and, consequently, skin inflammation. Accordingly, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, used to comprehensively profile lipid mediator generation in the first 48 hours after antibody deposition, showed a pronounced parallel increase in LTB4 and in neutrophils in the skin. Subsequent mechanistic studies in BP-like epidermolysis bullosa acquisita uncovered that neutrophils are necessary for skin inflammation, whereas eosinophils are dispensable, thus identifying neutrophils as major culprits of blister formation. Our results highlight LTB4/BLT1 as absolutely critical drivers of murine pemphigoid disease-like skin inflammation.


Subject(s)
Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita/pathology , Leukotriene B4/metabolism , Pemphigoid, Bullous/pathology , Receptors, Leukotriene B4/metabolism , Skin/pathology , Animals , Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase/genetics , Chromatography, Liquid/methods , Disease Models, Animal , Eosinophils/metabolism , Female , Inflammation/pathology , Male , Mass Spectrometry/methods , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Mice, Knockout , Neutrophil Infiltration , Neutrophils/metabolism
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